Vitality Cuisine: Figs are a unique fruit

My only childhood experience with figs came in the form of a Newton and, given that I was a child, I never thought much of them beyond that.

It wasn't until I got older that I learned that the "fig" in the Newton actually came from the figs in the produce section and that those figs offer us many unique benefits that should spur us to give them far more dietary attention.

A fig are unique in many ways, beginning with the fact that it bears its flowers on the inside, which makes it rely upon wasps to crawl inside it to pollinate it. This unique fertilization process is called parthenocarpy.

The second is that while most fruits and vegetables contain only small amounts of protein, figs supply an impressive amount — nearly 1 gram of protein per large piece.

Figs are also among the richest plant sources of calcium and fiber and according to USDA data for the Mission variety, dried figs are richest in fiber, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin K, relative to human needs and have smaller amounts of many other nutrients, as well.

Figs also contain different types of antioxidants that have been shown in studies to raise antioxidant activity, which mop up those free radicals that can contribute to the development of cancer, heart disease and the visible signs of aging. The riper the fig, the more antioxidants it will contain.

Figs do have a slight laxative effect, so they should not be consumed in excess, particularly when dried.

There are hundreds of varieties, ranging in color from nearly black to almost white, and only the female fruits are edible.

Green varieties are normally reserved for drying.

Figs can be eaten whole and raw, including the seeds and the skin, and have a sweet, mild flavor.

Most commonly, figs are dried and then eaten as a sweet or rehydrated for use in cooking. However, there are many ways to enjoy that childhood fig flavor in different ways today.

Here are two different ways to indulge your body in the fabulous health benefits of figs.

Enjoy!

Fancy figs

12 dried figs

1/3 cup toasted almonds, chopped

1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped

In a small pot over low heat, place chocolate and stir constantly until chocolate melts into a velvety, smooth liquid. One at a time, hold a fig by its stem and dip it in the chocolate first, then coat with almonds. Place dipped figs on waxed paper- lined tray. Place tray in refrigerator to set then return to room temperature before serving.

In small bowl combine cheese and pepper. Using a small knife, make slit into the side of the dried figs Using your hands, stuff fig with about 1/2 teaspoon of cheese mixture then press a toasted pecan on top of it and press down. Line up on plate and drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving.